Hodak tells fans not to expect instant success with newly promoted KL

PETALING JAYA: Do not expect immediate results in the Super League.

Instead, coach Bojan Hodak (pic) says Kuala Lumpur are a team in transition, and be prepared for gradual progress.

Kuala Lumpur’s first game is against Penang at the City Stadium in Georgetown on March 6.

The Croatian, who took over the team’s training two weeks ago, said it would take time for the City Boys to adapt in the Super League after coming through the Premier League last season.

Hodak said the main aim was to stay in the league and eventually, restore Kuala Lumpur’s reputation.

“We want to take it match by match. I have been with the guys for two weeks. I know some of them, some are new. I want to know who can adapt to my style of play, ” said Hodak.

“We’ll organise a few friendly matches to see how well these players can translate what they’ve learnt in training. The ones who adapt quickly will be in the starting 11.

“We still need some work in the physical aspect, but we have time to improve on that.

Their new players include foreigners Filipino-Danish Kevin Ray Mendoza, Australian-Italian Giancarlo Gallifuocco, Colombian Romel Morales, Mauritanian Dominique Da Sylva; and locals Kamal Azizi Zabri, Danial Ting, Irfan Zakaria, Wan Amirzafran Wan Nadris, Anwar Ibrahim, Safee Sali, Hadin Azman.

The core players retained are Akram Mahinan, Paulo Josue, Zamir Selamat, Mohd Shukor Adan, Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Mohd Azim Rahim.

“There will be many matches in a short time, so we need depth, which means two players in one position, ” said Hodak.

“Veterans like Safee, Indra and Shukor have been great. I do not expect them to run like the young guys, but I want them to guide them.

“They can’t play three matches in a week, but their experience will steer this team forward.”